Effective immediately, two new entry-level engines are available for the Audi Q5: the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0-liter TFSI, both in conjunction with the 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel version is now also available in the A4 allroad quattro. These powerplant options expand the Audi product line with fuel-efficient models at attractive prices.

Effective immediately, Audi customers can order the 2.0 TDI with common rail high-pressure injection and 105 kW (143 hp) as an entry-level diesel for the Audi Q5 as well as for the Audi A4 allroad quattro. There is also a new entry-level gasoline engine available for the Q5 – the 2.0-liter TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp). All new models are equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Read the rest of this entry »

Euro NCAP, the organisation that assesses the safety of new cars, today releases the results for six new cars. Five out of the six cars received Euro NCAP’s maximum five star award. Euro NCAP is pleased to note that a number of less expensive cars were among these high performers. In these economically challenging times, consumers who wish to downsize their cars can still place safety at the top of their wish list. Read the rest of this entry »

Audi engineers prepared this particularly sporty version of the SUV specially for the Wörthersee Tour. The test bed for Audi Genuine Accessories in the custom color Daytona Gray, matt rolls on 21-inch wheels of 7 twin-spoke design. Compared to the production model, the track was widened by 90 millimeters (3.54 in) and the ride height lowered by 60 millimeters (2.36 in). The power output of the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine has been increased from 245 kW (333 hp) to 300 kW (408 hp), allowing the Audi Q5 custom concept to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155 mph). (See box for technical data and equipment.) Read the rest of this entry »

Audi AG’s plan to develop a hybrid version of its Audi Q7 luxury SUV is on hold because the automaker has decided it wants to introduce its smaller Q5 SUV as a hybrid with a more advanced battery that remains under development.
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The decision, first reported by European car magazine Autocar, was made because Audi thinks hybrid systems are more sensible in smaller vehicles and because it wants to introduce the vehicle with lithium-ion batteries instead of nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are used in hybrid vehicles today while lithium-ion batteries remain under development for the automotive industry.

via Freep.com

Audi is creating a new market segment: the Audi Q5, the new performance SUV, combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with an impressively versatile interior and multiple talents aimed at leisure and family use. Three powerful, efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and an agile suspension layout form an impressive technological package for on-road and off-road use. The innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the driving dynamics system Audi drive select are among the other highlights.

The Audi Q5 is the sports car in the SUV category and the perfect car for an active lifestyle – it is progressive and dynamic, spacious, multifunctional and comfortable. It will be appearing in the fourth quarter of 2008 at a starting price of EUR 38,300. Read the rest of this entry »